Deadly clashes over local elections persisted, and govt pressed Myanmar to continue repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Violent clashes continued as final phases of local elections held across country. Election-related violence 8 Feb killed one in Tangail district (centre); series of clashes 10 Feb, and 13 Feb injured dozens in Thakurgaon (north west), Rajshahi (west) and Bogra (north) districts; internal Awami League clashes 15 Feb, 19 Feb and 28 Feb left three dead in Chittagong, Noakhali and Nilphamari districts. Scores 26-28 Feb took to street in capital Dhaka against 25 Feb death of journalist imprisoned under controversial Digital Security Act (DSA); scores injured and arrested as police cracked down on protests. Anti-terrorism police 3 Feb arrested two members of banned militant outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in Chittagong city (south east) and five alleged Allah’r Dal militants in Dhaka. District court 4 Feb jailed 50 opposition activists, including former Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) parliamentarian, for up to ten years for 2002 attack on PM Hasina motorcade, and High Court 17 Feb upheld death sentences of ten militants convicted for assassination attempt on Hasina in 2000. Special anti-terrorism tribunal 10 and 16 Feb sentenced 13 Ansar al-Islam militants to death, and one to life in prison, for 2015 murders of secular publisher Foysal Aref and U.S.-based Bangladesh blogger Avijit Roy. Following Myanmar’s military coup (see Myanmar), foreign ministry 1 Feb said it expected Rohingya repatriation to continue; border security forces same day on alert to secure borders with Myanmar. FM Momen 3 Feb said that Dhaka did not expect fresh influx of refugees; 5 Feb welcomed reports that Myanmar military commanders had visited Rohingya community in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, said would “approach directly” new govt to resume talks about refugee repatriation as soon as possible. Approximately 3,000 Rohingya refugees 15-16 Feb relocated from Cox’s Bazar District to Bhasan Char, low-lying flood-prone island in Bay of Bengal, bringing total of number of refugees transferred to island to more than 10,000 since relocation started in December.

Deadly violence broke out amid local elections, while govt continued relocating Rohingya refugees to flood-prone island in Bay of Bengal. Violent incidents erupted in lead-up to local elections for around 60 different municipal bodies; second phase of polls 16 Jan held across country. Gunfight between rival factions from Awami League (AL) party 12 Jan killed one and injured another in Chittagong city (south east), prompting arrest of 26 people, including rebel AL candidate; opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) mayoral candidate 26 Jan disclosed arrest of more than 200 activists, including polling agents. Internal AL clashes 27 Jan killed two. In west, armed clash between two AL factions next day left one injured in Rajhashi district; clash between two rival groups same day left at least twenty injured in Narayanganj district (centre) and killed at least two in Jhenaidah district (south west). BNP councillor candidate Tariqul Islam 16 Jan killed during clash between BNP and AL supporters in Sirajganj district (north-central) shortly after he was declared victorious. AL leader Afsar Sikder 18 Jan died, following beating previous day by supporters of rival party faction in Barisal district (south-central). Six 27 Jan injured in electoral violence in Jhalokathi district. Third and fourth round of local elections scheduled for 30 Jan and 14 Feb, respectively. In south east, gunfight between two rival Rohingya refugee groups in Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf subdistrict 10 Jan killed one refugee and injured ten others; gunfight 26 Jan killed another refugee. UN 15 Jan reported that around 3,500 refugees “lost their homes and belongings” after a fire previous day destroyed over 500 shelters in Cox’s Bazar’s Nayapara camp. NGO Save the Children’s Bangladesh director 14 Feb said fire was “another devastating blow” for Rohingyas. Meanwhile, authorities continued transfer of Rohingya refugees from Cox’s Bazar District to Bhasan Char, low-lying flood-prone island in Bay of Bengal; relocated third and fourth batches of refugees, with over 1,700 sent on 29 Jan, despite longstanding concerns about living conditions on island and coercion in sending refugees there. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal 6 Jan announced that unnecessary visitors would be barred from Bhasan Char. 

Govt began moving Rohingya refugees to island in Bay of Bengal despite concerns over living conditions, while violence broke out in Chittagong Hill Tracts. Govt 3-4 Dec transported 1,642 Rohingya refugees from Cox’s Bazar district to Bhasan Char island – silt island in Bay of Bengal – despite concerns of UN, donor govts and international organisations that it is prone to flooding and lacks services, and amid allegations that some refugees had been coerced to go. Ahead of transfer, UN statement 2 Dec called on govt to allow refugees “to make a free and informed decision” about relocating and to provide them with basic services and free movement “to and from the mainland”. MFA 4 Dec emphasised that relocation was part of broader repatriation plan and called on human rights groups to help create “a conducive environment” within Myanmar to allow for a “quick, safe and dignified repatriation”; govt 29 Dec proceeded to transfer second batch of 1,804 refugees to island. Meanwhile, sporadic violence erupted in three districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts 23 years after Parabatya Jana Samhati Samity, representing ethnic minority groups, and then Awami League govt signed 1997 peace accord. Authorities accused armed groups opposing peace accord of factional violence and attacks on Bengali settlers and security forces, including shootout with military 3 Dec that allegedly killed member of anti-accord group United Peoples Democratic Front in Rangamati district; police 13 Dec accused armed hill militants of attacking security forces in Rangamati district, resulting in one attacker killed. NGO Amnesty International 11 Dec said lack of progress in implementing human rights provisions of peace accord behind local grievances. Indian border forces 7 and 14 Dec killed three Bangladeshi cattle smugglers; opposition Bangladesh National Party’s secretary general 14 Dec announced intention to hold countrywide protests against Indian security forces’ “indiscriminate killings” of Bangladeshis, holding ruling Awami League’s policy toward India responsible for deaths. PM Hasina 17 Dec hosted virtual summit with India’s PM Modi during which both leaders signed seven agreements on bilateral cooperation and directed border forces “to work towards bringing such border incidents to zero”.

Intercommunal unrest broke out with attacks on Hindu minority, while authorities continued crackdown on critics. Tens of thousands 2 Nov joined religious groups in capital Dhaka in protest against French President Macron’s defence of Prophet Muhammad caricatures. Meanwhile, month witnessed numerous attacks against Hindu community: assailants 1 Nov burned five Hindu homes in Comilla district after Hindu was accused of defending French cartoons deemed blasphemous; same day authorities in Noakhali district arrested two Hindus accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam; house of Hindu accused of defaming Islam on social media attacked in Brahmanbaria district 4 Nov; local NGO working on minority rights 3 Nov said sectarian violence had killed at least 17 people since March. Police 12 Nov arrested mosque leader for leading Oct lynching of man in Lamonirhat district following his alleged desecration of Quran in mosque; police also charged 30 people for assaulting police officers and damaging public property. Govt continued to suppress opponents, including through crackdown on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, country’s largest religious party, and its youth wing Islami Chhatra Shibir: police 10 Nov detained seven Shibir activists in Bogra district on charges of planning anti-state violence; 14 Nov arrested 25 female Jamaat activists in Kushtia district for allegedly planning sabotage acts and further 43 Jamaat and Shibir activists in Feni district on same charges. Following govt use in recent months of controversial Digital Security Act to silence critics and journalists, PM Hasina 2 Nov said “spreading false propaganda” does not count as “freedom of speech”. Violence marred Awami League (AL) win in by-elections in Dhaka and Sirajgang districts 12 Nov, including bomb explosions at Dhaka polling station and arson attacks on AL buses; opposition Bangladesh National Party called for recount, alleging intimidation and electoral irregularities. Operations against suspected militants continued; police 7 Nov detained four suspected New Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh members in Bogra district while paramilitary Rapid Action Batallion arrested four other alleged members, including Rajshahi regional chief, during 20 Nov raid in Sirajganj. FM Momen 14 Nov blamed Myanmar, International agencies and NGOs for hindering efforts to relocate Rohingya refugees.

Political tensions emerged over local by-elections, security forces continued anti-militancy operations and armed groups clashed in refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar. Ruling Awami League (AL) and opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) traded accusations of violence in lead-up to 17 Oct by-elections in “Dhaka 5” and “Naogaon 6” constituencies that AL won; AL said BNP responsible for two bomb blasts at AL rally in Joypurhat district 4 Oct that injured three; BNP candidate claimed AL supporters attacked his car in Demra area of capital Dhaka 7 Oct. BNP alleged massive electoral irregularities in vote and held widespread protests in Dhaka and other cities 18-19 Oct. BNP also claimed AL supporters responsible for violence and intimidation during AL by-election victory in Khulna district 20 Oct. In continued anti-militancy operations, counter-terrorism police 13 Oct detained six suspected members of Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh in Chittagong district and 15 Oct arrested seven alleged Hizb ut-Tahrir and Ansar al-Islam members from several areas of Dhaka; paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion 25 Oct detained three suspected Allahr Dal members in Rangpur district. Dhaka court 27 Oct indicted chief of banned Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami and 185 other leaders and members for 2014 attack on police station. Govt continued to suppress critics, particularly journalists; police 10 Oct arrested journalist in Rajbari district after AL official accused him of defaming PM Hasina on social media. Amid reports govt formed committee to relocate 10,000 Rohingya refugees to Bhashan Char island in Bay of Bengal despite longstanding concerns that island is prone to flooding and lacks services. NGO Human Rights Watch 1 Oct requested visit by UN to see if island is “safe and hospitable”. Meanwhile, armed groups clashed in Cox’s Bazaar district 30 Sept-7 Oct: Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army and criminal group reportedly trafficking drugs fought for control of Kutupalong refugee camp, killing at least eight Rohingyas and one Bangladeshi, injuring over 100 refugees and displacing 2,000 others, while dozens of houses burnt down; govt 7 Oct sent additional forces to camp and arrested twelve residents for suspected involvement in clashes.

Amid ongoing govt crackdown on critics, security operations continued against alleged members of banned militant groups. Govt continued to supress critics, particularly journalists; ruling-Awami League (AL) member 6 Sept filed defamation cases against four reporters, including newspaper editor over articles deemed critical of AL minister; NGO Reporters without Borders 7 Sept called on govt to dismiss charges against Cox’s Bazar journalist who, despite being released in Aug after almost one year in prison where he reportedly suffered police torture, still faces several charges, including illegal possession of drugs and arms. Meanwhile, anti-militancy operations continued: in capital Dhaka, paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) 9 Sept arrested four suspected members of Ansar al-Islam and police next day arrested four alleged Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh members; RAB 16 Sept arrested two suspected Ansar al-Islam accused of recruitment through social media and police 18 Sept  arrested another suspect; RAB 17 Sept arrested two alleged Allahr Dal members in Gaibandha district and two suspected Allahr Dal members in Rajshahi district on 23 Sept. RAB 29 Sept arrested alleged Ansar al-Islam member in Ashulia area near Dhaka. Govt 4 Sept extended by six months suspension on “humanitarian grounds” of prison sentence for Bangladeshi Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Khaleda Zia, convicted on corruption charges. Govt 4 Sept organised visit for 40 Rohingya community leaders to Bhasan Char island to observe existing facilities, as part of plans to relocate refugees to flood-prone island post-monsoon; 8 Sept said security forces would construct barbed wire fences around Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar district and increase electronic surveillance due to alleged money laundering and drug trafficking among refugees with international and NGO involvement. FM Momen 12 Sept called for international support to facilitate refugee repatriation to Myanmar, warning of “pockets of radicalisation” if situation remains unchanged. Bangladesh UN mission 15 Sept shared “aide-mémoire” with UN Secretary General on movement of Myanmar military close to Bangladesh border, seeking immediate UN Security Council steps to prevent escalation of situation.

Amid ongoing govt crackdown on critics, security operations continued against alleged members of banned militant groups. Police continued to detain people under controversial Digital Security Act over social media posts critical of govt, in cases mainly filed by ruling Awami League (AL) supporters: police 2 Aug opened investigation against journalist in Chittagong over critical comments about an AL parliamentarian; police 3 Aug detained three people in Thakurgaon district for criticising PM Hasina and allegedly spreading misinformation, and 6 Aug arrested one person in Jhenaidah district after AL activist accused individual of using abusive language about PM’s brother Sheikh Kamal, assassinated in 1975; paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) 9 Aug detained man in Sylhet district for insulting PM and security agencies. In continued anti-militancy efforts, anti-terrorism police 5 Aug arrested suspected member of Ansar al-Islam in Jhenaidah district and police 11 Aug arrested five alleged Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh members in Sylhet district, accusing them of planning an attack on a Hazrat Shahjalal shrine in Sylhet before Eid holiday. In north, mass flooding continued; since floods began late June in Jamalpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha and other districts, 6mn people affected, over 100 killed and thousands of villages submerged. Police 2 Aug suspended 21 officers following 31 July killing of retired army officer at police checkpoint in Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong district.

Amid ongoing govt crackdown on critics, security operations continued against alleged members of banned militant groups. Police continued to detain people under controversial Digital Security Act in cases mainly filed by ruling Awami League (AL) supporters: police 3 July arrested member of AL student wing for criticising AL lawmaker in Facebook post in Manikganj district; 19 July arrested three, including two teachers, at Farakkabad college in Chandpur district for defaming govt ministers through fake social media account. In continued anti-militancy efforts, security forces 9 July arrested suspected Hizb ut-Tahrir member in Khulna district and next day arrested alleged Ansarullah Bangla Team militant in capital Dhaka; police 17 July arrested woman in Dhaka for alleged involvement in women’s wing of Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), including fundraising and recruitment; paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion 19 July arrested six suspected members of JMB in Savar district near Dhaka; 24 July three alleged Allahr Dal members in Dinajpur district; and 27 July, five suspected Ansarul Islam militants in  Dhaka’s Dhamrai region. Explosion at Pallabi police station in Dhaka injured at least four police officers and one civilian 29 July, with police claiming they later defused two further explosives; Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility but police 30 July declared claim “false”. Govt faced rising COVID-19 cases bringing total to 237,000 on 31 July, making Bangladesh 17th worst coronavirus-hit country globally. In north, mass flooding, which began late June in Jamalpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha and other districts, affected 1.5mn people, killing dozens and submerging thousands of villages. NGO Human Rights Watch 9 July urged govt to move 300 Rohingya refugees from Bhashan Char island in Bay of Bengal amid longstanding concerns that island is prone to flooding and lacks services.

Amid ongoing crackdown on critics, security operations continued against alleged members of banned militant groups. Despite international and domestic concerns over Awami League (AL) govt’s use of controversial Digital Security Act, police continued to detain journalists and academics using controversial law throughout month: police 9 June detained two journalists after leader of Hindu community in Habiganj district accused them of offensive social media posts;  13 June arrested Dhaka University teacher and 17 June Rajshahi University teacher for posts allegedly criticising senior AL leader Mohammed Nasim, following his death on 12 June; 18 June arrested two individuals after local AL leader in Barekha district accused them of critical social media remarks about PM Hasina and cabinet; 23 June arrested man for anti-govt social media posts in Narayanganj district; 26 June arrested editor in capital Dhaka for article criticising PM’s political affairs advisor. NGO Transparency International 20 June expressed deep concern over recent arrests and urged govt to respect freedom of speech. In anti-militancy efforts, paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion arrested alleged Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh members, including five in Myemensingh district 1 June, two in Dhaka 9 June and one in Madaripur district 14 June. Amid concern over potential COVID-19 spread in Rohingya refugee camps, with surge in national cases following 31 May lifting of lockdown, govt 2 June reported first refugee death from disease in Cox’s Bazar refugee camp; aid groups and UN early June confirmed low testing capacity in camp amid concern that number of cases could be higher than govt reporting. Group coordinating activities of UN agencies and NGOs 10 June warned that lack of funding hindered assistance to Rohingya and host communities, with only 27% of $877mn appeal for 2020 joint response plan provided.

Govt continued to use COVID-19 crisis to silence critics, while security forces carried out further operations against alleged members of banned militant groups. Awami League (AL) govt appeared to use COVID-19 to crackdown on dissenting voices, especially targeting journalists; officials said police 3 May detained prominent journalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol, who had been missing for three months, when he allegedly attempted to enter illegally from India. Police used controversial Digital Security Act: 5 May detained journalist for “spreading rumours” about AL lawmaker on Facebook, and two journalists and nine others for provoking anti-govt sentiments and “rumours” about COVID-19; 6 May detained three journalists accused of defaming woman on YouTube. In response, seven ambassadors, including EU and U.S., 8 May individually tweeted about importance of upholding free speech and press freedoms; FM Momen next day said statements “very unfortunate”, not in line with diplomatic norm. Workers from remaining closed factories in export-orientated garment industry continued mass protest rallies countrywide demanding owed wages, leading to clashes with police in capital Dhaka 20 May which left a dozen injured. First confirmed COVID-19 case in Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar reported 14 May. Coast Guard rescued some 60 Rohingya refugees 2 May and 280 more 7 May in Bay of Bengal; majority of refugees sent to Bhashan Char despite longstanding concerns island is flood-prone and lacks services; UN Sec Gen Guterres 15 May sent govt letter appealing to move refugees to existing camps; FM Momen 17 May rejected demand, said if place not suitable other countries should take refugees or they should return to Myanmar. In Dhaka, as part of anti-militancy efforts, police arrested alleged online recruiter for Ansar-al Islam (formerly Ansarullah Bangla Team), who 1 May appeared before court, and 4 May detained seventeen alleged Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) militants charged with attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia to join Bangladeshi jihadist leader Syed Mostaq bin Arman; in Chittagong, police 3 May arrested three alleged members of Neo-JMB, offshoot of main group; paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion 23 May detained alleged JMB member in Madaripur district.